Latinx Outdoor Initiative works to create accessible, welcoming outdoor access for all
TELLURIDE, Colo. (KRDO) -- Multiple agencies came together to give underrepresented community members of San Miguel County access to the Telluride Via Ferrata. According to organizers, this trip was part of a larger effort to elevate inclusivity in the outdoors.
Sunday, July 17, Mountain Trip partnered with Sheep Mountain Alliance (SMA) to lead a group of 24 Latinx community members to climb the Telluride Via Ferrata, known as Krogerata.
Organizers say for most of the participants, this was their first time experiencing the climbing route despite having lived in San Miguel County for years.
According to the organization, SMA's Latinx Outdoor Initiative works to break down barriers and create equitable outdoor spaces by making outdoor events free and open to all experience levels.
The organization also said it provides the opportunity for Latinx community members to "foster a sense of belonging and inclusion in the outdoors."
“It was amazing to share one of the beautiful recreational mountain experiences with members of our community that have never been up there,” said Jonathan Cooper, Mountain Trip guide, in a press release. “It’s a constant reminder of how unique and special our little valley is. It’s our hope that our first-timers will be able to take this experience and the skills they learned to help them explore more of our backyard in the future.”
SMA says the "systemic inequities that communities of color experience, from housing and employment to accessing outdoor recreation and environmental education." Additionally, organizers say individuals who face economic barriers have a difficult time participating in outdoor recreation.
According to SMA, at least 30% of San Miguel County identifies as Latino/Hispanic and are native Spanish or Chuj speakers. However, this community is the most dramatically underrepresented group in the local outdoor community.
“We are hopeful that this program is a small start towards equity in the outdoors and we recognize that there is still so much work to be done in our community and throughout the United States,” said Ruthie Boyd, SMA’s Community Outreach Coordinator VISTA in a press release.
Sheep Mountain Alliance will partner with Mountain Trip again to co-host a rock climbing outing again on August 7, 2022. For more information, click here.
